This study was conducted to obtain more information on early school leavers in order to formulate strategies to decrease the dropout rate. The typical pattern for leavers is to complete some portion of the school year before dropping out. The greatest dropout activity occurs in January, February, and March. Typical school leavers: (1) are bored with school; (2) find school activities and classes a waste of time; (3) are behind in school credits; (4) make poor grades; and (5) have numerous home and family responsibilities. Most leavers held very positive attitudes about education, learning, and the importance of a high school diploma; 84 percent would not advise friends or relatives to leave high school before graduating. While 71.5 percent of early school leavers had attempted in some way to find employment, only 29.4 percent had obtained full-time employment and 21.7 percent, part-time employment. These leavers, however, were not taking action to exert more control over their lives. The leavers voiced future plans vaguely, most of them saying that they hoped to graduate some time in the future. The report concludes that although the youngsters studied placed a high value on education, they had many complaints, difficulties, and problems with their experience in high school. (LHW)

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